You Will Survive!

It’s May, spring is in full swing and standardized testing is coming to a close. The majority of districts around the country will be heading out for summer break in just three weeks. With a room full of excited and anxious kids, how do you make it to the end?

Here are 3 strategies to close out the school year:

1.       Keep Teaching – Everyday students should still have a routine. Don’t abandon your bell ringers or classroom procedures. Now is a great time to engage students by diving deeper. We are all faced with the stress and time constraints of pacing guides, so use this opportunity to revisit or continue to build using something fun.

2.       Try Something New – Perhaps during the year, you were anxious about implementing a new strategy now is a great time to try it. Often times, we as teachers are nervous about losing control of our class or just unsure about the outcome of a lesson when trying something new. Technology is a great option to insert here. Typically school computer labs are booked by ELA and Math teachers for students to work on district mandated programs, sign up for a lab and allow students to explore an assigned topic.

3.       Assign a Hands-On Project – If you don’t give kids something to do, they will find something to do. Keep those little hands busy with projects. If you’re secondary check out: http://www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com/100-hands-on-activities-for-middle-school-and-high-school/

Elementary teachers take a look at: http://www.playdoughtoplato.com/stem-activities-for-kids/

There are also a plethora of ideas on Pinterest.

Hang on just a little while longer, your break is closer than you think.